14 STEM Internships for Undergraduates in Hawaii
Completing a college internship can strengthen your resume, broaden your professional network, and enhance your prospects in the job market. By working on projects in your field, you’ll gain practical experience that demonstrates both initiative and a better understanding of your discipline. Internships also provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a profession, helping you clarify your academic and career interests. For students in STEM fields, these opportunities often involve research labs, engineering teams, healthcare systems, environmental initiatives, or technology development projects.
Why should I do a STEM internship in college?
A STEM internship allows you to apply scientific and technical concepts to research questions, engineering challenges, or data-driven initiatives. This strengthens your employability by showing that you can work with discipline-specific tools, collaborate within technical teams, and contribute to measurable outcomes. It also gives you experience with research methods, laboratory procedures, coding environments, analytical software, or fieldwork protocols. In addition to technical development, you can build professional references and gain clearer insight into potential career pathways within your field.
To help you identify strong options, we’ve narrowed down a focused list of the 14 best STEM internships for undergraduates in Hawaii.
1. Hawaii Pacific Health Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)
Location: Hawaii Pacific Health, Honolulu, HI
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students with an interest in medicine or research
The Hawaii Pacific Health Summer Student Research Program is an eight-week opportunity for college students to take part in clinical research within a major health care system. You will be matched with a physician mentor and will contribute to an ongoing clinical or translational research project conducted within affiliated hospitals and research centers. Your work may include reviewing scientific literature, assisting with data collection and management, participating in research meetings, and supporting analysis related to the study’s objectives. The program also includes educational sessions focused on the clinical research process, the structure of healthcare systems, and different medical specialties. You’ll attend physician-led discussions that outline pathways into medicine and research, along with site visits to clinical facilities. Throughout the program, you will engage in cohort-based activities with other students participating in research placements across departments.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25%; around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students
The Ladder Internships University Internship Program is an eight-week internship program that connects you with a startup company for project-based work in a professional setting. You are matched with a host organization based on your stated interests and background, and you collaborate with a company supervisor to complete defined deliverables over the course of the program. The internship is conducted primarily virtually and requires a weekly time commitment of approximately 5–10 hours. Projects span fields such as software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, finance, marketing, consulting, and health technology, depending on company availability. During the program, you attend regular meetings with your supervisor to review progress, refine project scope, and receive feedback on your work. Apply now!
3. Akamai Internship Program
Location: University of Hawaii at Hilo, HI, and various placement sites on Hawaii Island and Maui
Cost/Stipend: Free; a $4,600 stipend is provided, along with housing and travel support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Undergraduates from Hawaii or currently living in Hawaii and enrolled at a University of Hawaii campus
Akamai Technologies Internship Program is a paid, fixed-term opportunity for university students to work within teams that support the company’s content delivery, cloud computing, and cybersecurity services. As an intern, you will be assigned to a specific function such as software engineering, network engineering, security operations, or data science. In technical roles, you may contribute to code development, automation scripts, system testing, or performance analysis related to distributed networks and cloud infrastructure. In business-focused roles, you might support data reporting, process documentation, customer research, or internal operational projects. You will participate in team meetings, collaborate across departments, and document their work in alignment with company standards.
4. Hawaii Pacific Health Careers Summer Internship
Location: Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Benioff Medical Center, and Wilcox Medical Center, HI
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid; exact amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Oahu: June 15-July 24; Kauai: June 15-July 23
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Open to both high school seniors and current college students
Hawaii Pacific Health Health Careers Summer Internship is a six-week summer program that places high school and college students within hospitals and outpatient clinics across Hawaiʻi to observe and learn about healthcare careers. During the internship, you will rotate through assigned departments and spend time shadowing professionals in clinical and non-clinical roles. The placements may include areas such as nursing units, rehabilitation services, laboratory departments, imaging, administrative offices, and other hospital operations. You’ll attend scheduled sessions that introduce different health professions and explain how departments function within a hospital system.
5. NOAA Pacific Islands Young Scientist Opportunity (PYSO)
Location: NOAA Inouye Regional Center, Honolulu, HI
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid; exact amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in an undergraduate program, with at least 24 credit hours earned and majoring in a discipline or study area related to marine or atmospheric science, research, technology, or education
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Young Scientist Opportunity is a 10–12-week summer internship for undergraduate students based at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. As an intern, you’ll work on a specific research project that may involve topics such as fish ecology, coral reef ecology, stock assessment, oceanography, or climate-related studies, with tasks tailored to the goals of your chosen project. You will also get to collaborate directly with NOAA scientists, and GIS, programming, data analysis, or field sampling may be part of the work, depending on the project you are placed in. Throughout the summer, you’ll participate in periodic meetings with your mentor to track progress and are expected to present your research findings at a final symposium.
6. Kupu Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC) Summer Program
Location: Various host sites across Maui and Oahu
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a stipend of $17/hour ($18/hour for Maui members) and a $1,565 AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on specific program
Application Deadline: Varies based on specific program
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates and recent graduates
Kupu Conservation and Sustainability Internship Programs are service-based placements that position participants with host organizations across Hawaii to support environmental and natural resource initiatives. Through programs such as Kupu ʻĀina Corps and the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps, you will be assigned to projects focused on ecosystem restoration, invasive species removal, native plant propagation, sustainable agriculture, or environmental education. Your responsibilities may include fieldwork, site maintenance, data tracking, community outreach, and logistical support for conservation activities. Placements occur at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools, and cultural sites throughout the state.
7. The Queen's Medical Center Summer Research Internship (SRI)
Location: The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates who are Hawaii residents and have a minimum 3.3 GPA
The Queen’s Medical Center Office of Research & Development Summer Research Internship is an 8-week summer program for undergraduate students interested in careers in medicine and clinical research. You will be matched with a principal investigator and assigned a research project that may involve literature review, data analysis, study design, or other research tasks specific to the project’s goals. The internship also includes weekly lectures and workshops on research methods, statistics, and study design to support your work on the project. In addition to research activities, you’ll observe clinical environments through shadowing physicians in hospital and outpatient clinic settings and take tours of medical school and hospital facilities.
8. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Undergraduate Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Stipend offered; amount varies based on project
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on project
Application Deadline: Varies based on project
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Internship Program provides paid, project-focused work opportunities for current undergraduate and graduate students in both technical and professional fields. During the internship, you will engage in research or development projects that align with APL’s mission areas, which can include engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, or business operations. You will work on tasks like data analysis, experimentation, technical writing, or systems development. You’ll collaborate with experienced scientists, engineers, and subject-matter experts, contributing to work that addresses real scientific and technical challenges.
9. Mālama Maunalua Summer Internship Program
Location: Mālama Maunalua, Honolulu, HI
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 9 to August 16
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students and recent graduates
Mālama Maunalua Internship Program is a field-based environmental research and conservation internship focused on the health and stewardship of Maunalua Bay in Hawaii. You will work with nonprofit staff and community members on ongoing projects that address marine and terrestrial resource issues, including coral and native algae restoration, stormwater runoff, and public education and outreach. As an intern, you will spend a 10-week summer period conducting scientific research throughout Maunalua Bay, participating in volunteer events, and collaborating with partner organizations in the region. The program concludes in a final project or product that contributes to actual management decisions for the Bay’s well-being. Internship roles may also include social media or design tasks alongside research and outreach activities.
10. Maui Ocean Center Internship Program
Location: Maui Ocean Center, Wailuku, HI
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 6 students per year
Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates and high school students
The Maui Ocean Center Marine Naturalist Internship Program is a student internship offered by the aquarium on Maui that places high school and college students within its education and exhibit departments to support public engagement and animal care activities. You will be mentored by education and animal-care professionals and participate in educational presentations, interpretation of exhibits, and interactive learning sessions about marine life, oceanography, and conservation topics. You will also assist with basic care and maintenance tasks for marine exhibits, animal nutrition, and water quality evaluation, and work with guests to communicate information about Hawaii’s marine ecosystems. The program includes professional development components such as guidance on resume writing, interviewing, and cultivating workplace skills, and it concludes with a final project and presentation to staff and visitors.
11. Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES)
Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hilo, HI
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 25 - July 31
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens/permanent residents who are enrolled in college
The Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science is a summer internship program focused on natural resource stewardship and management across Hawaii Island. In the program, you’ll contribute to projects that involve environmental observation, conservation, and sustainable management practices while working with mentors and local organizations. You will explore the Moʻo ʻĀina framework, which emphasizes connections to self (Naʻau), place (ʻĀina), community (Kaiāulu), and data or storytelling (Kaʻao). Throughout the internship, you’ll document and share your findings, participate in field-based projects, and engage in approaches that center the community in environmental care.
12. Hawaiian Electric Summer Internship Program
Location: Primarily based in Honolulu, Hawaii
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 25 - July 31
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens/permanent residents who are enrolled in college
The Hawaiian Electric Summer Internship Program is a structured summer program offering professional projects, mentorship, and departmental exposure within an energy utility. You are assigned a mentor who guides your project work, offers feedback, and helps you navigate organizational practices. You’ll work on projects in areas such as engineering, data science, communications, finance, and sustainability. The program includes workshops, team meetings, and events designed to give you insight into business operations and industry trends. You will have opportunities to visit operational sites and observe processes related to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
13. NASA Internship Programs
Location: Several locations across the US
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on project
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies based on project
Application Deadline: Varies based on project
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates
The NASA Internship Program is a student internship that provides opportunities to contribute to projects aligned with NASA’s missions in engineering, space science, Earth science, or communications. You are assigned to a project where your responsibilities may include research, analyzing technical data, developing software or hardware, supporting mission operations, or assisting with program and administrative tasks, depending on your placement. You will have the opportunity to work on topics such as spacecraft design, satellite observations, climate modeling, artificial intelligence applications, or mission planning, depending on your placement. You’ll collaborate with NASA professionals and receive guidance from an assigned mentor who supervises your project and provides feedback throughout the program.
14. Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) STEM Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students who are U.S citizens
The Virtual Student Federal Service is an online internship program coordinated by the U.S. Department of State alongside other federal agencies, offering U.S. and international students the opportunity to contribute to government projects remotely. In this program, you’ll complete semester-long assignments that support agency objectives in areas such as public diplomacy, data analysis, international development, and digital services. Your tasks depend on the specific project and may include conducting research, preparing reports, creating outreach materials, analyzing datasets, or developing digital tools and content for agency initiatives. You will work under the guidance of a supervisor who provides feedback and support throughout the program. As the program is fully virtual, you can participate from your own location without relocating, using online tools to collaborate with your team and agency partners.
Image source - Hawaii Pacific Health logo